Experienced hooker Andy Long has signed a new contract with Northampton Saints.

The 33-year-old, who has won two caps for England, joined the Saints a year ago following spells with Newcastle, Bath and Rotherham. Despite the presence of current England hooker Dylan Hartley and rising star Brett Sharman, Long has played 22 times for the first team, including an appearance in the 2010 Anglo-Welsh Cup final.

"I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to sign again at the Saints," he said. "I'm still chomping at the bit to play and I still feel that I've got a lot to offer to the club. I'm battling it out to prove myself every day and I'll be battling to push the other guys all the way for a place in the first team

"I had a few other options, but I wanted to do what was best for my family. At this stage of my career I've got one eye on my future, and I'm getting the opportunity to get some experience coaching teams in the area as well."